ADDAC112

There’s a long history behind the granular concept and many reinterpretations of its core principles. This is our take on it.
In a loose description, digital Granular refers to pieces of sound files being played at the same time with slight or completely different parameters originating what is commonly referred to as granular clouds. Normally there’s a buffer size from which the granular engine snips its pieces and plays them according to the parameters set. This buffer size is normally small in size, where grains are so small that can reach the hearing spectrum and be heard as a sort of ever changing complex wavetable; this is the principle behind granular synthesis.
In our vision we added the possibility of long buffer sizes up to 5 minutes, allowing “softer” aproaches to the granular principle using it as an effect that can generate from “accidental” effects like slight “stutters” to extreme processing and transformation of any incoming audio signal.
This module is conceptually deep but easy to grasp and operate as all controls are in its dedicated panel; all jack inputs and outputs have their own separate panel to allow no compromise when playing its controls. 

There are three main sections in this module:
Looper Engine: The Looper is where all the Real-Time recording happens. The audio input feeds the recording buffer, multiple controls allow to record and play loops into a list so that any sample in the list can be accessed at any time and more acting as a standard looper
Granular Engine: The Granular acts upon the buffer of whatever LOOP is selected.
Output Mix The output mix allows individual control for the Dry Input, Looper Volume and Grains Volume.
Besides these main sections there’s also a  simple strip down MENU mainly used to LOAD and SAVE Banks, no Menu diving guaranteed.

For more detailed info we advise to read the User's Guide.

SD Card included.

Audio Specs:
Audio input: Stereo, 16bit 44.1Khz
Audio output: Stereo, 16bit 44.1Khz

Tech Specs:
32HP + 13HP
4.5cm deep
240mA +12V
70mA -12V

Standalone option also available:
https://www.addacsystem.com/en/products/modules/addac100-series/addac112s

Note: All specifications and features are subject to change without previous notice.

In case you're wondering: Sure! We can get you a custom coloured front panel for the ADDAC112.
It has an additional cost and takes 4 to 6 weeks to be ready.

A custom colour panel can be done in either Red, Green, Blue, White, Silver Gray, Yellowed Silver, and Dark or Light Bronze.

Print colour varies between Black, White, or Red, Yellow, Blue and Green. We recommend lighter-tone print for darker panels, and vice-versa.

Please note: we don’t stock custom coloured panels. For every custom order we need to make a single panel order from our panel provider. This explains the panel price and lead time.

Current revision: 1.8.2
Release date: December 22th 2023

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INTRODUCING FIRMWARE 1.8.2

We made major changes in the way the recording and playback is processed improving the overall performance which now allows for twice the grains of previous firmwares.
Also improved default bit depth to 24 bits without performance loss.
The downside is overall loop memory is now shorter, allowing 180s (3 minutes) in stereo, at 44.1khz.
Due to this downside we decided to branch the firmware into two versions:
ADDAC112_V1.8.2.bin - Uses the new read/write method with less available memory
ADDAC112_V1.8.2_legacy.bin - Keeps the old read/write method with the same available memory

Warning* : Using the new method firmware can cause conflicts with older banks that will now exceed the maximum recording time. In these cases users can edit the banks on a laptop removing excess loops or use the legacy firmware to load and edit the original old banks.
We’ll be working on future improvements that hopefully will allow more memory to be used on the next firmware release. The changes log below is valid for both firmwares.

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Updating the FIRMWARE:

Make sure the USB cable is a proper standard USB cable, all around there are many Micro USB cables that are made just for powering devices: these will not work as they do not have the necessary transmission lines to communicate with the module.

1. Download this .zip file:
https://addacsystem.com/firmwares/ADDAC112_Firmware_182.zip

2. Copy "ADDAC112_V1.X.bin" to the root of your micro SD card (FAT32)

3. Insert the SD card in the SD card slot in ADDAC112

4. Power On the module

---- DO NOT REMOVE THE SD CARD OR POWER OFF DURING THE NEXT STEP ----
5. The screen will show the uploading progress:
"Uploading firmware..."
"23%                  "

6. When finished, the main screen should appear. The update was successful.

7. Restart the module by powering down your frame!

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Updating to BOOTLOADER 1.31 (OPTIONAL BOOTLOADER FOR MODULES PRIOR TO DECEMBER 2023):

To update the Bootloader you need to detach the 112A from your frame but leave the ribbon power cable connected and the Power ON. Once lifted from the frame locate the Micro USB input between the two pcbs on the right side of the module.
Plug a cable to it and to your computer.

1. Download and unzip this file:
https://media.addacsystem.com/firmwares/ADDAC112_Bootloader_V1.31.zip

2. On the module press encoder > options > update FW

3 .Using the Chrome browser go here: (You will need an up-to-date version of Chrome, at least version 61 or newer)
https://electro-smith.github.io/Programmer

4. Press the “Connect” button and, from the options, choose the one called "DFU in FS Mode" (ignore platform and example drop menus)

5. Press “Choose file” and choose the downloaded "ADDAC112_Bootloader_V1.31" file.

6. Press ”Program” and it will show some progress bars on the browser

7. Once finished disconnect the USB cable and power OFF the module.

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Windows Bootloader Troubleshooting:
There may be an issue on some Windows computers that need a workaround before uploading firmwares as described in the user’s guide.

If you're experiencing issues where the "DFU in FS Mode" does not appear in the Connect menu then you’ll need to change the driver for the module, have a look here:

https://github.com/electro-smith/DaisyWiki/wiki/Using-Zadig-to-Reset-USB-Driver-(Windows-Only)

Just one detail, ignore their second step: 
"Launch Zadig and put the Daisy into bootloader mode by holding the BOOT button down, and then pressing the RESET button."
Instead just enter the options menu on the module and choose "Upload firmware".

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Stuck on Loading Screen Troubleshooting:
If the module gets stuck in the Loading screen upon powerup please follow this procedure:
1. remove the SD Card from the module
2. Power up the module, once it starts you can insert the SD card back and load your bank.
   At this point saving the bank will help loading the SD card correctly at the next power up.

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Black Screen Troubleshooting:
If the module does not power up after the firmware upgrade, or after power up please follow this procedure:
1. Download the Bootloader file: https://media.addacsystem.com/firmwares/ADDAC112_Bootloader_V1.31.zip
2. remove the 112A module from the frame and detach all ribbon cables
3. remove the 2 bottom screws
4. slowly and carefully detach both pcbs
5. grab just the bottom pcb and plug in the usb cable, do not plug the power ribbon cable
6. on the small yellow PCB where usb is plugged in, force DFU MODE by holding the BOOT button down and then pressing and releasing the RESET button
7. use the website to reupload the "ADDAC112_Bootloader_V1.31" file
8. after the upload process finishes, remove the usb cable
9. copy the latest firmware to the SD Card and place it on the frontpanel
10. attach the pcbs back together, insert the 2 screws, ribbon cables and power it up.

After this all should be back to normal.

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Firmware revisions:

1.8.2: Here's the release notes:

• Loop editor: Fixed a bug when selecting New loop from edit
• Loop editor: Loop editing end pot stays locked when edit with pots is turned on
• Loop editor: editing Start changes only start point, instead of keeping length constant
• Loop editor: editing with pots, size is always relative to full loop length
• Changed: New loop is selected when created from edit or when copied from another loop

1.8: Here's the release notes:

• New: Grains length can now be related to pitch
• New: Loop / Grains trigger outputs lengths, added 100ms and 500ms
• New: Original file samplerate and bit depth shown in info screen
• New: Show bank name in loading message
• Improved: Grains playback when set to a samplerate lower than the looper samplerate
• Improved: Grain triggering detection 
• Fixed: Clicks could be heard when new grains would be introduced at sample rates below 44.1khz.
• Fixed: Persistant Grains not disappearing after changing sample rate
• Fixed: Loop trigger would sometimes fail to output
• Fixed: Menu not working correctly when playing in clocked mode
• Fixed: Free mem info not showing if the bank had no loops
• Fixed: Bug where recording time was incorrectly limited
• Fixed: First grain sometimes starting at -24 pitch
• Fixed: dB value shown in loop editor - before, it showed the left channel value on both channels

1.7: Here's the release notes:

• Screensavers added to Options Menu, prevents screen burn over time when not in use.
• Bug fixes and improvements on loop editor
  (last sample wasn’t reachable, speed/acceleration of encoder when changing begin/end positions)
• Virtual notch on pitch knobs made wider
• Bug fix: freeze when adding more than 10 loops to bank
• Bug fix: Menu / Erase not working on clocked mode
• Bug fix: Loop saved as noise on some circumstances
• Bug fix: New rec saved as 8bit

1.6: Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed a graphical issue in the display when showing the number of active grains.

1.5.1 Beta 15: Here's the release notes:

• -Added a new menu option for Grains Active modes, in Page 5: Grains Trigger option allows to choose between CV or Trigger input.
• -Improved the trigger detection when in Grains Trigger mode.
• -Fixed an issue when external clocking New Rec the module would crash at about 60 loops.

1.5.1 Beta 14: Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue when pitch mode was other than sample rate, quickly changing Loop Pitch while Pitch Dir Ctrl was On caused the loop to go silent.

1.5.1 Beta 13: Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue where grain delay divisions switch (/4, /8) wouldn't work.
• -Fixed an issue where in specific situations changing between 2 loops would make grains volume play extremely loud.

1.5.1 Beta 12: Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue introduced in Beta11 where grain repeats and grain delay wouldn't work.

1.5.1 Beta 11: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue that would make the module crash if when deleting some loops
• -Fexed an issue with the way grains were being removed.
• -Fixed an issue that when in New Rec adding more grains wouldn't make them start initialize properly and so not being played.
• -When in Mono the Dry signal was still being panned, now all inputs are summed to Mono before being sent to the Dry output.

1.5.1 Beta 10: Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue that would make the module crash if the memory's full.

1.5.1 Beta 9 : Here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue where presets wouldn't be deleted after saving a bank.
• -Fixed an issue with Kill All Grains only working on default preset.

1.5.1 Beta 8 : Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Further improved the Grains Trigger detection algorithm.
• -New default values for Sidechain Compression.

1.5.1 Beta 7 : Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -New Sidechain Compressor Feature, allows ducking of loop and grains signals from the input signal.
• -New Loop Editor zoom view when editing start / end points
• -Fixed a bug where deleting a loop would make the module crash if Playing
• -Fixed a bug where deleting a loop would permanentelly delete the wav file even without saving the bank

1.5.1 Beta 6 : Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Fixed an issue where Grain Intermitency would cause grains to stop

1.5.1 Beta 5 : Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Special functions can now be deactivated to avoid conflicts when using trigger inputs.
• -Slight re-organization of the options menu.

1.5.1 Beta 4 : Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -New feature in Options menu: Loop pitch can now control the loop direction.
• -New feature in Options menu: Grain Samplerate, can now be set to a lower value allowing more grains while keeping the recording at a higher quality.
• -New feature, Global Scales file: any user edited SCALES file placed at the root of the SD card will be used everytime a new bank with default settings is created.
• -New feature in Options menu: Grain Intermitency maximum time can now be set to: Loop Size, 5 seconds or 30 seconds.
• -Fixed a crash when selecting "Edit with Pots" in the Loop Editor screen

1.5.1 Beta 3: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Encoder pressed and Stop push button kill all grains
• -Fixed a few issues and Improved the Clock Mode 
• -Improved the Loop Editor "Edit with Pots" operation method
• -Loops now can't be deleted if they exist in a preset, preset needs to be updated or deleted to allow loop deletion
• -Fixed an issue related with deleting loops originating a crash
• -Fixed recording where with loop pitch below zero would originate a crash

1.5.1 Beta 2: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Implemented a new grains manager that removes/adds grains automatically preventing CPU overloads
• -Fixed several issues that would generate crashes 
• -Improved the Loop Editor with a more intuitive working method between parameters and fixed some bugs
• -Fixed an issue with grains loading sounds from adjacents loops when Grain Length was at maximum.
• -Fixed an issue with Repeat Probability that woul reset all grains when a grain was removed
• -Changed the overall behaviour of Grain Position and Length
• -System Info in Menu show Hardware Revision and installed Firmware
• -Improved the Grain Trigger detection
• -Further improved the looper anti-click
• -All Vols In Presets now default to NO
• -Several other minor fixes

1.5.1 Beta: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -New Bootloader and simpler Firmware Update process.
• -New Feature: Loop Editor, now users can edit the recorded loops in real-time and in several ways.
• -New Feature: Pitch Modes, re-implemented the possibility to change time and pitch independently.
• -New Info Screens with more detailed information
• -Banks configuration can now be copied upon New Bank creation
• -Reorganized the Options Menu
• -Further improved the looper anti-click and anti-alias algorithms

1.4.3 Beta: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -New Feature: Now grains can be triggered externally using a Gate into the Grains N. input
• -Added a dynamic maximum grains manager to avoid CPU stalling
• -Added a new screen item: CPU monitoring bar
• -Greatly improved the Grains Feedback saturation that was suffering from a cumulative DC offset
• -Further improved the looper anti-click algorithm
• -Black Screen Troubleshooting added to the website and User's Guide
• -Improved 24 and 32 bit WAV files compatibility
   

1.4.2 Beta: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Fixed some issues with clicks in buffer after a pressing the Clear button
• -Fixed several other situations where audio cliks or discontinuities would happen
• -Improved the grains feedback saturation

1.4.1 Beta: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Fixed some issues regarding loading banks and small wav files

1.4 Beta: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -Rewritten all code for playback and recording
• -Improved all anti-click algorithms
• -Corrected some issues with the looper buttons logic

1.3.2: Besides some other minor issues resolved here's the release notes:

• -New Grain Deviations Mode
• -New Grain Panning Mode
• -24 bit now available in Bit Depth
• -Added menu option for ignoring presets volume settings (sindependent on/off for: dry, loop, grains, overdub decay and grains feedback)
• -Added menu option for deleting Presets
• -Added "!!" warning in screen when close to CPU overload
• -Added SETTINGS.CFG file for Bank overall settings
• -Improved Clocked Mode behaviour and fixed some logic issues
• -Logic issues resolved with Rec Probability and Rec Delay
• -Fixed a bug that wouldn't let self patching the Loop Trigger Output to Direction for Ping-Pong playback
• -Fixed some bugs in saving loading Banks and Wavs
• -Fixed bug where longer Bank names were not being loaded
• -Fixed a bug where it stated Memory Full when there was still memory available
• -Fixed some issues with 8 bit recording and Wav saving
• -Fixed an issue when loading mono loops

1.2: Besides some minor logic issues resolved there are some major implementations:

• -Consecutive Recordings mode workflow changed
• -Loop Normalization
• -New pitch shifting interpolation algorithm

1.1.6 : Besides some minor logic issues resolved there are some major implementations:

• -Loop and Grains keeps playing the previous Loop while New Rec is engaged
• -Overdub Decay feeds previous Loop into New Rec
• -Consecutive Recording mode, new Loops keep the same size as the previous Loop (press and Hold Encoder button then press REC).

     New Menu options:

• -DRY VOL PRE/POST: Dry input now can be selected to be Pre or Post the Dry Volume setting.
• -PITCH DEL SIZE: Different flavours for the pitch and time stretching algorithms